Description

Stories in this issue:

• Case Study: Maple Hill Farm: Paul Hauser and his wife, Carol, share the specifics about running their Maple Hill Farm in Lincoln University, Penn. The farm produces vegetables, bedding plans, fruit, eggs and pies, and uses two Suffolks and a Belgian.
• Adjustable Collars: Jenifer Morrissey provides an in-depth look at the pros and cons of adjustable collars. Topics include: What is an Adjustable Collar?, The Cap Seam Ridge, Differences in Adjustable Collar Manufacturing, Adjustables and the Point of Draft, Consequences: Intended and Otherwise, and The Right Collar is the One that Fits
• The Farmer’s Wife Pony Club: Bethany Caskey tells the story of letters sent to the the Pony Editor of the Farmer’s Wife Magazine provide inspiration for author Laurie Hird to create a book of quilt blocks. The magazine, published from 1903 until 1939, was known for its subscription contest that awarded a Shetland pony to the winner.
• Hanging Harness: Vicki Schmidt gives Tips on how to properly store your harness to keep it in good working order. A look at harness racks, tack rooms, cleaning methods and more.
• New Barn Uses Old Ways: Stephen Leslie reports on Natural Roots Farm in Conway, Mass., which showcases its new barn that can accommodate work horses, pigs, and a milk cow or two. It features a hay loft with a traditional track and trolley system.
• Guerilla Tactics: Taylor Johnson discusses the need for horse loggers to be ready to adapt and make changes in order to compete with bigger operations. He suggests: talking to woodlot owners about their budgets and how they can improve their forest; find your niche; and more
• Harnessing & Hitching Refined: Stephen Leslie continues his “reports from the field,” concentrating on the importance of harnessing and hitching in producing willing and efficient animals.
• Traversing California: Jenifer Morrissey shares diary entries of her great-great grandparents when they took a 700-mile horse drawn trip covering the length of California.
• Rethinking Manure: Donn Hewes examines how nutrients are lost from manure and some strategies he hopes to use to preserve those nutrients while using no fossil fuel.
• Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Parade: Ronnie Hartman shares news on 32nd annual event is held in Minnesota with the purpose of raising money for the Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. This year, eight drivers and 19 riders covered approximately 356 miles in two days in a variety of vehicles. Included in the trip was a stop at the FarmAmerica Interpretive Center.
• Mule Foundation Training: Steve Edwards goes over what he’s looking for as he’s starting mules in halter
  
• 50 Years Driving Devons: Ray Ludwig recounts his years of work with oxen